Not too long after I began blogging, discovered Sherry's Saturday Review of Books. I've made a point of stopping by her blog every Saturday (and then some because she's got a great blog and always has something interesting to say) to see what other bloggers are reading. It has not only been a great way to network, but more importantly to get the latest scoop on the books others are reading. The people who post links to their reviews are a diverse crowd as are their reading tastes.
Sherry's Saturday Review of Books Challenge is quite simple. Participants are to read 6 of the books by December 31st that have been linked to reviews at the Saturday Review of Books in the past year, post their reviews on their own blogs (or in the comment section at Sherry's site for nonbloggers), and then post a link at the Saturday Review of Books, which is held each Saturday.
I have a good excuse for signing up for yet another challenge. Really. You see, there are several books I want to get to soon, books I have committed to read through various reading challenges and others because I am dying to read them. I intially was going to avoid Sherry's Saturday Review of Books Challenge but thought I would at least take a look and see if any of my "must reads" would qualify. Once I realized I had more than enough books on my "must read" list and taking into account my desire to read the books sooner than later, it seemed pointless not to join the challenge. I plan to read the books anyway, right?
For the record, the reviews posted in regards to my chosen books did inspire the "sooner rather than later" feeling I had for the books I have selected to read. It helps though that they are already among my TBR collection.
My Saturday Review of Books Challenge List
1. Persuasion by Jane Austen reviewed by Barbara H
2. Stardust by Neil Gaiman reviewed by Stephanie, Petunia, Elaine, Laura, and Framed
3. A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini reviewed by Carol
4. Broken for You by Stephanie Kallos reviewed by 3M
5. The Road by Cormac McCarthy reviewed by Becky's Husband, Wendy, Stephen, Joy, Julie, and Amy (I also took into account Isabella's review,which presents the descenting viewpoint about the book.)
6. Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson reviewed by Kris
Alternate List
7. One Good Turn by Kate Atkinson reviewed by Laura at Musings
8. Peony In Love by Lisa See reviewed by Wendy
9. Eat the Document by Dana Spiotta reviewed by Wendy
My friend Karina over at Candid Karina honored me with the Rockin' Girl Blogger Award at the beginning of the week (Thank you, Karina!). It's always nice to be recongized in such a positive way. The hard part comes in choosing who to pass the award along to. I make regular stops at so many terrific blogs. They all are rockin', both the girls and the boys. I made a random selection from my long list of favorites and hope you will enjoy visiting the listed blogs as much as I do.
- Nymeth at Things Mean A Lot has opened new doors into the fantasy genre for me. I really enjoy spending time at her blog. She has great taste in books, both in the fantasy genre and outside. She's such a nice person--someone I wouldn't mind talking about books over lunch with.
It's a guarantee that when I visit Nan at Letters a Hill Farm, I will be greeted by a beautiful photo. I'm partial to her garden and flower photos, which I find so soothing, but they are all wonderful. I keep meaning to ask her if I can come sit in her garden and read beside her. Think she'll mind?
Daphne over Tanzanite's Shelf and Stuff is a great source for historical fiction recommendations among other books. And you have to love someone whose blog's name is inspired by their furry companion.
I am not sure how I came across Nikki's blog (my memory isn't always so great), Keep This on the DL, but I do know that it is among my favorite places to visit each week. Nikki has great insight, and I enjoy reading her thoughts about her life and life in general. As an aside, her husband is an American soldier currently deployed in Afghanistan, and my prayers are with Nikki and her husband daily.
Historia's blog, BiblioHistoria, is a fairly new one, but she dove right into blogging like a fish to water. I enjoy reading her book reviews and reading about the books she reads. My wishlist grows just with the thought of visiting her blog every week!
I'm reading Stardust for this challenge, too. Can't wait to get to it.
ReplyDeleteI'm flattered that you enjoy my blog and my reviews so much Kate. Thank you so much for the nomination for Rockin' Girl Blogger.
ReplyDeleteH
Big oops. Oh Dear, sorry Wendy, I was just looking at Kate's Book Blog right before yours, and I thought I was still there.
ReplyDeleteI am touched that Wendy voted me a Rockin Girl Blogger.
H
3M - I noticed you were planning to read Stardust too. Just in time for the movie, like me too, I bet. :-) We'll have to compare notes.
ReplyDeleteHistoria - No worries. I did that once too--I was so embarrassed. LOL
Well after losing the first post just second before posting (so maddening - the computer froze on me) I have posted my nominations. Just thought you might want to know.
ReplyDeleteH
Thanks for the nomination! This is my first prize. I'll do you proud :)
ReplyDeleteStardust is a beautiful book, and Persuasion, One good turn and Broken for you are all excellent choices (read all of them this year). Have fun with the challenge.
ReplyDeleteEat the Documents is on my TBR shelves now too, along w/Persuasion and The Road. Resisting the urge to join another challenge, even though I see at least 3 books on YOUR list that are on mine! Well...maybe.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the introductions to the blogs!
Historia - I hate it when that happens! I'm on my way to check out who you've given the award to. :-)
ReplyDeleteNikki - You're welcome. You already do me proud. :-)
Lazy Cow - There were so many books I considered putting on the list, but I can only read so much. LOL And just being in so many challenges is proving to be a challenge.
So many people have been singing the praises for Stardust lately and with the movie coming out next month, I couldn't resist adding it to my list.
Carrie - It was hard narrowing down the list--and considering how big my TBR collection is, I had plenty to chose from. I was just in my TBR room and found a few other books I could have picked for the challenge.
I wasn't going to join this challenge, but my impulsiveness got the better of me. There's two other challenges later on this year that I am for sure going to join, but other than that I'm thinking I'm at the end of my rope. Famous loud words, I know. :-S
Congratulations for rocking!
ReplyDeleteI thought I was being a little too over ambitious with challenges, but I always feel better looking at your list *grin*
Awww, thanks for thinking of me. Things like this always excite me!!
ReplyDeleteI am amazed that you can participate in so many challenges and keep them all straight!! I keep intending to do more in order to broaden my reading material, but...
Thanks, Rhinoa! Yeah, I do seem to take on more than I can handle with these challenges. So far I've managed to keep up--more or less. :-) My reading may be mapped out for the rest of the year without too much wiggle room, but since all the books are ones I want to read and I like the feeling of checking off my list and completing a challenge, I am enjoying participating in them. Next year though, I'll refrain from joining so many!
ReplyDeleteDaphne - You deserve the award.:-)
I keep a calendar of the books I need to read for each challenge and that's helped me stay organized. Somewhat. :-)
Thank you so much! Your blog is one of my favourites too. This put a big smile on my face. Now I have to think who to pass it on to.
ReplyDeleteI absolutely cannot join any more challenges, but that one's tempting. That's a great list you have there. And I didn't know about the Saturday Reviews - what a great idea! I must start visiting.
Nymeth - You are welcome! And thank you! :-)
ReplyDeleteI know what you mean about not being able to join anymore challenges. I shouldn't either. Haha
Sherry's Saturday Reviews has become quite popular since it began. I really enjoy seeing what others are reading.
Hey Wendy! You go, girl!!! I always like reading your blog, especially your book reviews!
ReplyDeleteAs for book challenge, I haven't really participated in one...yet, but I will. I'm looking forward to the Fall Reading Challenge. I'll check out Sherry's blog later... :)
Thanks, Melody. :-) Be careful with those challenges because they can be addicting. Haha
ReplyDeleteCongrats on being a rockin' girl - you are! :)
ReplyDeleteAnd, I did not need to know about another challenge! ha,ha.. I will have to go over and check it out.
You totally earned that Rockin' Girl Award, I absolutely love your book reviews, and always come in here to see what else you're reading and what you have to say about it! ;-)
ReplyDeleteGreat that you rock!
ReplyDeleteI'm joining the challenge too. See you there.
Iliana - Thanks! I was a little miffed (just kidding, Sherry!) at Sherry for starting such a tempting one . . . LOL Any excuse to read more books that sound so tempting.
ReplyDeleteKarina - Thank you so much, Karina. :-D
Chris - I can't wait to see what you are reading! I'm behind on my blog hopping, but I'm sure I'll be visiting your blog soon. :-)